BALTIMORE (WJZ) — The Baltimore Ravens teamed up with Habitat For Humanity of the Chesapeake and now three local families have brand new homes.

Linh Bui has more from the players and homeowners.

In Pigtown, approximately one-third of residents live below the poverty line, but Habitat has been a positive force in this neighborhood.

Off the field, the Baltimore Ravens tackled a big project, turning a vacant lot on Ward Street into brand new homes.

“This project is in the shadows of our home, M&T Bank Stadium, so it makes it particularly important to us that we’re here,” said Baltimore Ravens President Dick Cass.

The Ravens teamed up with Habitat For Humanity of the Chesapeake. Eleven months later, three brand new rowhomes were unveiled Wednesday. For the first time, the new homeowners went inside.

“I’m overwhelmed with this. I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe right now,” said new homeowner Regina Sykes.

Sykes cares for three children and a grandchild while working a full-time job. This home means the world to her.

“If you see my house where I live now, this is like a castle. This is my dream come true! Who can ask for anything more?” she said.

“It’s hard not to get a little emotional when we get to have an experience like this. And hey, you gotta promise to let us come over,” said Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, one of the players who helped with construction.

“Justin Tucker was using a jackhammer that was eight inches from each ankle,” said Habitat For Humanity Of The Chesapeake CEO Mike Posco.

In Pigtown, nearly one in eight homes is abandoned or in need of major repairs. Efforts like this transform neighborhoods and transform lives.

It wasn’t just the players. Coaches and front office members helped build the rowhomes. The Ravens Foundation provided the funds for the three rowhomes.